PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Safe Boating Day is an annual tradition for the Penn's Landing Summer Program Season and has been greatly expanded for the 2008 season. In 2007 there were more than 3900 casualties on our nation's waterways with over 650 resulting in death. The goal for Safe Boating Day is to stress the importance of basic safety measures such as wearing a life jacket, to offer free watercraft inspections and other safety lessons throughout the day, and to encourage waterway preservation along the Delaware River.
Safe Boating Day will be held at the Penn's Landing Marina located directly behind the Independence Seaport Museum on Columbus Blvd. at Walnut Street. The day will begin at 12 noon with the reading of a proclamation by State of Pennsylvania, Speaker of the House Dennis O'Brien declaring June 1, 2008 Safe Boating Day in the city of Philadelphia immediately followed by the Blessing of the Fleet officiated by Rabbi Claire Green and Father Jim VonDreele.
Safe Boating Day is a FREE event at Penn's Landing with various activities including life jacket fitting and demonstrations, musical entertainment, free face painting for the kids and vessel tours. Some exciting demonstrations include the U.S. Coast Guard life-saving demonstration from the Delaware River, the Delaware River Power Squadron flare certification course, and the Camden Marine Unit Scuba Dive Team. Safe Boating Day is comprised of participants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware and is the only event of its kind in the area this season.
Land Activities:
* Jr.-R.O.T.C. Color Guard * Philadelphia Boat Supply - lifejacket fittings and demonstrations * Delaware River Power Squadron * American Red Cross -C.P.R. demonstrations for water and land * Camden, NJ Marine Unit - lifejacket fittings and demonstrations * State of Delaware Fish and Wildlife * Delaware River Yacht League Princesses * K/Sea * Philadelphia Maritime Charter School * Delaware River Port Authority * Ride the Duck * Delaware Estuary * Penn's Landing Corporation activities: Safe Boating coloring pages, Rinky tattoo * Delaware River Power Squadron activities: Seavester the Robot * Safety First: Brochures and literature, display items that will demonstrate safe and unsafe usage on boats.
River Activities:
* U.S.N.S. GRASP - tours * U.S. Coast Guard - lifesaving helicopter basket lift and hypothermia demonstration * State of New Jersey Marine Unit - man overboard rescue * State of New Jersey Scuba Team - scuba drills and fast roping * Jupiter and McAllister Tugs - tugboat push, pull and twirl demonstrations * Corwith Cramer - display/tours * Seatow - vessel rescue * Philadelphia Ship Guild Gazela - display/tours * Philadelphia Fire Department * Philadelphia Water Department * New Jersey State Emergency Response Team * Independence Seaport Museum - Bull and Bear sail boats * Philadelphia Police Marine Unit * Westville, New Jersey - power fireboat and marine unit display * Display/Tours of Coast Guard Cutter * New Jersey State Police Marine Special Services Squad
The National Safe Boating Council and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary- known as America's Volunteer Lifesaver wants everyone to know being a conscientious boater and employing responsible and proper conduct while operating a watercraft vessel can translate into wonderful memories for family and friends while enjoying the outdoors.
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without our presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the continued support of PECO, Bank of America, Pennsylvania Lottery, Live Nation, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.
Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming at Penn's Landing. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination.
For more information on event locations and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn's Landing Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan a visit to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=349